The most powerful and most memorable moment from the Tonys last night was when the drama students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School sang Seasons of Love during the awards show. Today, those students and their teacher, Melody Herzfeld, talked about their big night on Today.
Mrs. Herzfeld said that moments like this, “Is a constant reminder. It is a repeat of everything.” Then she added, “Like even being invited here, brings all of that back again. When it has just gone away a little bit. And then it gets a little emotional again. It is not easy.” She knows that emotion because, on February 14th, she protected and hid 65 students in her classroom as a madman shot up her school in Parkland, Florida.
Kali Clougherty, whose high note sent chills through our bodies said, “It was actually a dream come true. I have been dreaming that since I was 8 years old.” Then she continued with, “I just graduated high school. I am not even on Broadway yet. I got to do what a lot of Broadway people haven’t even had to do yet.”
Even though her note will soon not be forgotten, it almost did not happen because she felt a cold coming on. But none of that matters when you have the audience and your classmates backing you up. It was their energy that caused her to break a lot of legs in Radio City Music Hall.
How long did they practice to make that performance so powerful? Two weeks, even though school ended a week into rehearsals. Who were they excited to see at the Tonys? A unanimous vote for Tina Fey, who I am sure was as wowed by them as we are of her!
Lastly, who do they have thank for their special night? Tanzil Philip, who asked to be part of Broadway’s big night. The Great White Way has done a lot for the students and the students wanted to give something back. That they did and I wish we could give them some more.
If you missed the performance that proves that tune from Rent can be used as a song of hope, then watch it below.
